New strategy sees Bulgaria tourism revenues at 5 bln euro in 2013

Bulgaria's tourism industry revenues should double to 5 bln euro over the next six years, says a development strategy for the period through 2013 drafted by Bulgarian Tourist Chamber chairman Tzvetan Tonchev.

Gross tourism revenue is estimated at 2.2 bln euro for 2007. The average tourist will spend 43 euro per day this year, an amount that should reach 70 euro by 2013, according to the strategy submitted for approval by the State Tourism Agency.

Some 60% of tourism revenues are generated by basic services like catering, accommodation and transportation. Additional services contribute 40%. According to the strategy, that ratio should flip over the next six years.

At the moment, the local sea resorts crank out 75% of the industry's overall revenues. The strategy forecasts that their revenue share should decline to 58% as other types of the tourism gain more ground.

The strategy projects an increase in British bookings for Bulgaria's ski resorts at the expense of the number of Brits heading for the local Black Sea tourist destinations.

Scandinavian tourist arrivals are expected to increase 5-10% annually.